Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has announced a partnership with blockchain infrastructure provider Zero Gravity (0G) to create a joint research hub valued at approximately $3.84 million (S$5 million). The new center will focus on advancing blockchain-powered artificial intelligence technologies, positioning Singapore as a growing hub for decentralized AI innovation.
The collaboration represents 0G’s first formal partnership with a university anywhere in the world. The initiative seeks to accelerate research into areas such as decentralized AI training, blockchain-based model alignment, and proof-of-useful-work consensus mechanisms. Through these research efforts, both institutions aim to build transparent and verifiable AI systems that stand apart from the closed, proprietary models typically controlled by private corporations.
The announcement follows nearly a year after 0G secured over $325 million in committed funding, including a $40 million seed round led by Hack VC, with backing from Delphi Ventures, OKX Ventures, Samsung Next, and Animoca Brands.
Building transparent and accountable AI systems
The official launch event was attended by 0G’s Chief Executive Officer and co-founder, Michael Heinrich, alongside NTU’s Vice President, Professor Louis Phee. According to NTU, the university intends to leverage its established expertise in blockchain systems, cryptography, and computing to design a new generation of AI architectures that are both transparent and globally accessible. Phee reportedly highlighted the importance of decentralization and accountability as key foundations for creating AI systems that inspire trust and openness.
Heinrich expressed that 0G’s overarching mission is to make artificial intelligence a public good, emphasizing that collaboration with NTU will allow the company to move beyond the dominance of centralized AI platforms. He conveyed that by enabling developers, institutions, and communities to contribute and verify AI processes, the partnership aims to build an inclusive ecosystem where participation and transparency are core principles.
Joint leadership and long-term research goals
The four-year initiative will be jointly led by NTU’s Associate Provost, Professor Wen Yonggang, and 0G’s co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Ming Wu. Their research teams will concentrate on creating decentralized computing architectures and secure AI marketplaces designed to reward contributors who provide data, computing power, or technical resources.
Major milestone for decentralized AI!
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and 0G Labs have launched a S$5M joint research hub to advance blockchain-powered AI technologies.
The goal: build transparent, verifiable, and open AI systems for the world. https://t.co/fdWp4sensA pic.twitter.com/6O0mi9kS5b
— 0G Labs (Home of Infinite AI) (@0G_labs) November 10, 2025
In addition to research, the hub plans to launch multiple programs aimed at cultivating new talent and fostering collaboration across Asia. These include workshops, hackathons, open-source initiatives, and scholarship programs intended to build expertise in decentralized AI. Early proof-of-concept results are anticipated within the first two years of operation, with pilot applications expected in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and smart infrastructure.
Advancing the frontier of open and trustworthy #AI: #NTUsg and Zero Gravity (0G), a leading blockchain-AI start-up, are launching a S$5 million partnership to develop AI technologies that will be more accessible and accountable. To kickstart the collaboration, a joint research… pic.twitter.com/DVjVB9PgCv
— NTU Singapore (@NTUsg) November 10, 2025
NTU’s College of Computing and Data Science, together with its Centre in Computational Technologies for Finance (CCTF), will play a leading role in the research. Their contributions will focus on scalable AI model training, governance frameworks, and blockchain-enabled security systems. By integrating blockchain into AI workflows, the teams aim to enhance model transparency, prevent data misuse, and strengthen public trust in automated decision-making.
Singapore’s growing role in decentralized AI innovation
The creation of the NTU–0G research hub not only reinforces Singapore’s status as a global technology center but also highlights its commitment to emerging digital paradigms that blend blockchain and AI. The initiative’s emphasis on open-source collaboration and talent development is expected to cultivate the next generation of decentralized AI professionals in the region.
Ultimately, this partnership represents a strategic effort to redefine how AI systems are built and governed. By combining NTU’s academic expertise with 0G’s blockchain-driven infrastructure, the project aims to chart a path toward a more transparent, participatory, and accountable AI ecosystem—one that could serve as a model for decentralized innovation across industries worldwide.
